Restaurant
Before + After
Laneway Basement, 181 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Find Before + After
Laneway Basement, 181 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Before + After
Slip down a George Street laneway, turn left, and descend to an unmarked basement doorway dedicated to the bitter world of the digestivo. Discerning night-owls treat the team as palate guides—bartenders pull down obscure bottles from a hundred-strong backbar and calibrate pours to your mood. You might land a martini with a nutty finish, Amaro Nonino over ice, or a smoky nightcap laced with subtle chocolate beside a charcuterie board in the low light.
- Amaro & Digestivos: A collection of over 100 bitter herbal liqueurs, backed by bartenders who tailor tastings from delicate aperitifs to rich, treacly nightcaps.
- Subterranean Laneway Retreat: Concealed down a George Street alley and below street level, pairing dim lighting and vintage speakeasy seclusion with zero attitude.
- Custom Cocktails & Bar Bites: Bespoke drinks dialed in to your palate alongside curated charcuterie boards and toasted snacks.
What's On at Before + After
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Before + After
Reserve your table underground for an intimate amaro tasting or pre-dinner cocktail.
Unpretentious Amaro Education
Staff decode complex botanical profiles without pretension, taking guests through curated tastings of rare digestifs and bespoke herbal cocktails.
For a thorough education in this aromatic and elusive spirit, in an intimate and totally non-pretentious environment, please visit Before + After.
Diana Chang Deep Beverage Ethos & Discovery
The bar program is anchored by over a hundred amaro varieties, intricate clarifications, and customized guidance tailored to each guest's curiosity.
Riley delivered both informative and educational descriptions of their drinks list and the ethos behind the ‘Amaro’ basis of their cocktails.
Roxanne Brand Pre-Dinner Aperitif Sanctuary
Tucked away down a George Street alley and subterranean stairs, it serves as an intimate CBD hideaway for a calm, sophisticated aperitif before evening reservations.
We were looking for somewhere to have a quiet drink before heading to dinner.
Jamie Holyoak Subterranean Nightcap Haven
Downstairs beneath street level, the room transitions into a cozy lounge ideal for decompressing over layered digestifs and light bites late into the evening.
Visited after dinner during the Xmas break, to finish the night with a couple of drinks.
Tehaunui Unmarked Speakeasy Reveal
Concealed behind a discreet basement entrance, finding the venue provides an unforgettable reveal for friends seeking Brisbane's tucked-away bar scene.
Our friends didn't know where we were going so we just guided them through when we got there the supprize on their faces was priceless.
Elmira Esfahani Vintage Ambiance for Dates
Warm, dim vintage lighting and low-key basement seating establish the right backdrop for relaxed one-on-one dates and intimate conversations.
It’s a hidden underground bar with the most vintage speakeasy vibe, perfect for dates and catchups.
Charlotte Wilo
Most popular items
Guest-favorite cocktails and pairings crafted with precision.
Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie board was a fabulous addition.
Annette Martini
the martini which was smooth with a nutty finish
Diana Chang Sazerac
We tried the Sazerac which was beautiful.
Elmira Esfahani Hay Fever
"Hay Fever", a delicious well balanced take on the whisky sour.
James Rossetti
Other favorites
Specialty sips and nightcaps showcasing the basement bar's herbal repertoire
Amaro Nonino
the amaro nonino on ice very treacley sweet
Diana Chang M&M
as a nightcap the ‘m&m’ which was fresh, a bit smokey, with subtle chocolate in the finish.
Diana Chang Amaro Sour
makes the best amaro sours
Zack Bonney Red Redemption
I love the red redemption. Its a yoghurt punch clarification slow drip..
lara Robinson
Beyond the menu
Attentive, education-forward hospitality details that elevate the subterranean cocktail journey—book your table ahead to secure your spot.
Tableside Aroma Consultations
Bartenders guide drink discovery by bringing spirit bottles directly to your table, explaining production nuances and letting you evaluate botanical aromas firsthand before mixing.
Palate Calibration & Remake Care
The bar team decodes unfamiliar flavor profiles to mix tailored off-menu creations, readily offering to shake up an alternative if a drink does not suit your taste.
Clarification Process Breakdowns
Staff explain the intricate house processes behind each cocktail, providing detailed walkthroughs of techniques like multi-stage yogurt punch slow-drip clarification.
Calibrated Amaro Progressions
Bartenders curate personalized spirit journeys across the amaro library, sequencing customized tastings smoothly from delicate aperitifs to robust nightcaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find the entrance?
Walk down the laneway off George Street, turn left, and follow the stairs down to the basement entrance. The bar is tucked away underground without prominent streetfront visibility.
What if you are unfamiliar with amaro or the drink menu?
The bar showcases an extensive collection of amaro and herbal liqueurs. Bartenders actively walk guests through flavour profiles, offering tailored tastings and off-menu recommendations if you are unfamiliar with the selection.
Is food available to order with drinks?
Yes. While drinks are the main focus, the venue serves light food options including charcuterie boards and toasted sandwiches.
When is the best time to visit to secure a seat?
The venue is relatively compact and fills up quickly later in the evening. Arrive earlier in the night if you want to secure bar seating or prefer a calmer, quieter atmosphere.
Where are the restrooms located?
Restrooms are available on-site, though accessing them requires walking up multiple flights of stairs from the basement level.
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